How are
you

asked me first

not wanting the
answer as much

as the breath

there are reasons
I remember
my first car
all the grease and dents
sweat on a dry summer night
more than say my “third”

honesty wasn’t deferred then
you just knew.

never
not this time

what are
you

doing time

breathe
it’s more comfortable that way

I never slammed my
fingers in her doors

she didn’t view my
gas money as
en(title/trap)ment

that oxygen tank
resting at the ready
in the corner of your heart

exhale. you’re safer now
honest.

© Tom Watters  3/13/08